Signature: Kenya & Rwanda — From the Mara to the Mist

The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group this morning.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Depart on your flight from Wilson Airport, crossing the Equator to Northern Kenya's remote Samburu Kalama Airstrip.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore Samburu’s dramatic red-earth wilderness in the late afternoon, tracking iconic wildlife through the sun-baked terrain.

On your journey to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, transition from a relaxed wildlife drive into a scenic and culturally rich off-road expedition that passes through traditional Samburu Maasai villages.

Meet a researcher at the Reteti Visitor Centre before viewing a private feeding session. Highlighting the meaningful work of Reteti’s passionate team of Samburu keepers, researchers, and rangers, the centre is also a testimony to generations of coexistence between the area’s Indigenous people and the wildlife with whom they share this land.

Take in the savanna scenery as you make your way back to the lodge.

Set out at dawn across acacia-dotted plains to track iconic wildlife. Keep your binoculars ready to spot grazing elephants, migrating wildebeest, and stealthy predators at their most active. Experience East Africa’s raw, untamed beauty firsthand.

Venture into the rugged expanses of Samburu as the midday heat gives way to a gentle, golden light. Scan the Ewaso Ng’iro River banks and thornbush scrub for Northern Kenya’s rare "Samburu Special Five"—including reticulated giraffes and Grevy’s zebras. Watch predators emerge from the shade as you immerse yourself in an untamed, dramatic landscape rarely touched by crowds.

Gather beneath a canopy of stars as your resident naturalist guides you through the celestial wonders adorning the Samburu sky. Decode the ancient "living calendar" of the wilderness, learning how Northern Kenya’s indigenous communities have long used these constellations to navigate the rugged landscapes.

Take in the rolling grasslands from a private vehicle as you transfer from your Samburu lodge to the Kalama Airstrip.

Depart Samburu on your AirKenya flight for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Venture into the Maasai Mara’s sweeping grasslands just as the afternoon heat begins to soften and the savanna springs back to life. Scan the golden plains for grazing elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards descending from acacia branches.

Set out at first light across the golden, acacia-dotted savannas of the Maasai Mara to track legendary wildlife. Raise your binoculars to scan sweeping grasslands for roaming elephant herds, wildebeest, and prowling lions at their most active. Connect directly with the raw, untamed spirit of the Mara.

Savor an exclusive open-air breakfast served in the heart of the Maasai Mara, where the golden savanna is your dining room. Toast the sunrise with freshly brewed Kenyan coffee as wildlife grazes in the distance, elevating a classic safari tradition into an unforgettable, immersive encounter with nature.

Venture into the Maasai Mara’s sweeping grasslands just as the afternoon heat begins to soften and the savanna springs back to life. Scan the golden plains for grazing elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards descending from acacia branches.

Venture into the Maasai Mara’s sweeping grasslands just as the afternoon heat begins to soften and the savanna springs back to life. Scan the golden plains for grazing elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards descending from acacia branches.

Set out at first light across the golden, acacia-dotted savannas of the Maasai Mara to track legendary wildlife. Raise your binoculars to scan sweeping grasslands for roaming elephant herds, wildebeest, and prowling lions at their most active. Connect directly with the raw, untamed spirit of the Mara.

Board your flight out of the Maasai Mara, bidding farewell to the savanna as you return to Nairobi.

Step inside Amani ya Juu, a sanctuary where women from across post-colonial East Africa find safety, empowerment, and economic independence through fair-trade entrepreneurship. Tour the vibrant workshop to watch artisans transform local fabrics into culturally symbolic handicrafts. Conclude your visit by sharing an authentic, locally sourced lunch prepared by community youth, engaging in meaningful conversation that connects you to the resilient spirit of Nairobi.

Bid farewell to Kenya as you fly west to Kigali, Rwanda.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Gain a deeper understanding of one of the defining events in Rwanda’s history during a privately guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. Set upon the quiet hillside where more than 250,000 victims rest, this sacred sanctuary opened in 2004 to preserve the memory of the 1994 genocide. Walk through the solemn exhibition halls together, reflecting on the lingering history and the intense reality captured within the exhibits. Step outside into the serene gardens, surrounded by whispering trees and flickering flames of remembrance. Afterward, gather for a deeply moving private Q&A session with a survivor. Listen as they share their personal story of courage, healing, and forgiveness, offering an unforgettable testament to the enduring strength and hope of the Rwandan spirit.

Step into the vibrant heart of Kigali’s Nyamirambo neighbourhood for an interactive experience at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre, a cherished G for Good initiative. Feel the warmth of community as local women welcome you into their space, sharing stories of independence and growth. Sit alongside skilled artisans, selecting brightly dyed sisal and natural fibres. Under their gentle guidance, learn the intricate rhythm of traditional Rwandan basket weaving, wrapping each thread with care. Watch geometric patterns take shape beneath your hands as shared stories and laughter fill the room. Craft your own unique souvenir to take home—a meaningful keepsake of living artistry that directly supports women’s empowerment in the community.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Step into history at the Nyanza Cultural Open Air Museum, the historical seat of the Rwandan monarchy. Stand before reconstructed royal residences, where soaring bee-hive architecture and intricate woven reeds showcase the refined craftsmanship of the ancient kingdom. Explore curated exhibition spaces filled with traditional weapons, woven shields, and sacred regalia that illuminate centuries of royal tradition. Outdoors, meet the majestic Inyambo—royal long-horned cattle revered for their grace—and listen to traditional herders sing rhythmic, melodic praise songs as they groom the beasts. As part of Rwanda’s Heritage Trail, this living museum offers a vivid, educational window into the rich royal legacy that shaped the heart of the nation.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Venture into the lush, ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, guided by a park ranger. Trek through dense emerald canopies and moss-draped trees, listening for the distinctive calls of wild chimpanzees reverberating through the forest. Navigate winding, forested trails as your guide tracks fresh footpaths and nests. Upon locating a habituated troop, spend a spellbinding hour observing their remarkably human-like behaviour.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Join your Expedition Leader for a scenic tour of a local tea estate, taking in sweeping views of verdant hillside rows. Head into the fields to participate in an interactive tea-picking experience alongside local workers at Ivomo, an eco-friendly initiative dedicated to promoting community well-being through sustainable agriculture.

If you wish to rest after your early morning exploration, unwind with a quiet afternoon relaxing by the pool.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle, with a stop for an early lunch along the way.

Step into the sanctuary of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, nestled against the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy private, behind-the-scenes access alongside a senior staff member, discovering six decades of gorilla protection and scientific research. Explore the interactive conservation gallery, stepping inside a replica of Dian Fossey’s forest cabin to view original artifacts and immersive 360-degree exhibits. Gain special entry into working research laboratories to meet resident scientists and learn firsthand about genetics, tracking, and habitat restoration. Conclude with a stroll along native forest trails, witnessing how modern science and local community engagement unite to safeguard endangered mountain gorillas.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Depart early for Volcanoes National Park to join a park ranger for a morning orientation. Set off into the misty cloud forest, trekking through dense bamboo groves and ancient foliage as you search for a resident gorilla family. The journey varies in length and terrain, following the subtle paths carved by these gentle giants through their natural habitat. Upon finding the family, spend a serene, profound hour silently observing their social bonds, playful juveniles, and majestic silverbacks—a rare encounter taking place in the very forest where National Geographic Grantee Dian Fossey conducted her landmark research for 18 years.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Spend time unwinding at the lodge, where you may choose to indulge in a relaxing massage or rejuvenating spa treatment (at additional cost), or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Rise early to trek through the bamboo-laden slopes of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered golden monkey. Guided by a park ranger, navigate the lush, mossy trails of the Virunga Mountains, listening for the rustle of leaves and high-pitched calls in the canopy above. Upon locating the habituated troop, spend a spellbinding hour observing these energetic primates as they leap effortlessly between stalks, forage for fresh shoots, and groom one another in the dappled forest sunlight. Watch their striking gold-and-black coats flash through the emerald backdrop before descending the trail to reflect on this extraordinary wildlife encounter.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Climb aboard and settle in for a quick journey on the water, with transfer to and from Meza Malonga.

Gather along the tranquil shores of Lake Ruhondo for an extraordinary 8-course culinary event, looking out over the mirror-like waters toward the Virunga Volcanoes. Hosted at his lakeside culinary school, Pioneer Chef Dieuveil Malonga welcomes you to experience his acclaimed African Fusion cuisine. Inhale the captivating aromas of indigenous spices, local herbs, and fresh ingredients sourced directly from surrounding farming communities. Each meticulously crafted course tells a story of the continent's rich gastronomic heritage, blending traditional African flavours with refined modern techniques. Savor this sensory feast alongside the chef himself, celebrating innovation, culture, and community empowerment through the universal language of food.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.